Catalyst-layer forming apparatus

Abstract

[Problems] To easily and efficiently manufacture a catalyst layer having high catalytic activity and to easily manufacture a fuel cell having high power generation efficiency.[Solution] An apparatus for forming a catalyst layer 3 for a fuel cell on an electrolyte film (application object) 2, the apparatus including: a holding portion 6 that holds a sheet-shaped electrolyte film 2, an application portion 7 that applies a catalyst ink 5 for forming the catalyst layer 3 on at least one side of the electrolyte film 2 held by the holding portion 6, a chamber portion 8 that is capable of forming a space 55 including the holding portion 6, and a suction portion 9 that depressurizes the inside of the space 55 formed by the chamber portion 8 so as to dry the catalyst ink 5.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for forming a catalyst layer for a fuel cell on an application object, the apparatus comprising:
 a holding portion including a table comprising a top surface, and a pair of rollers arranged such that the table is located between the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers positioned below the top surface of the table, the holding portion being configured to hold a sheet-shaped application object while applying tension by the table and the pair of rollers to the application object transported from one of the pair of rollers to another; 
 an application portion that applies a catalyst ink for forming the catalyst layer on at least one surface of the application object held by the holding portion; 
 a chamber portion comprising a lid portion and a base to which the holding portion is affixed, the lid portion configured to form a space including the holding portion together with the base; 
 a suction portion that depressurizes the space formed by the chamber portion so as to dry the catalyst ink; and 
 a shaft to which at least a portion of the application object is rolled, 
 wherein the application portion is disposed movably with respect to the holding portion between a facing position where the catalyst ink is applicable to the application object and a retreat position where the application portion retreats from and is outside of the chamber portion, 
 wherein the lid portion is configured to move between a closed position where the lid portion is in contact with the base to form the space that includes the holding portion and an open position where the lid portion is positioned away from the base to expose a surface of the holding portion to outside of the space so as to allow the application portion to apply the catalyst ink onto the at least one surface of the application object, and 
 wherein when the lid portion is located at the open position, the application portion is configured to move with respect to the holding portion between the facing position and the retreat position. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the holding portion is configured to transport the application object in a horizontal direction along the top surface of the table, and the application object is disposed so as to extend lengthwise in the horizontal direction.